Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry are the latest Westfield Matildas bound for Europe after signing for Norwegian Toppserien outfit Avaldsnes.
Brisbane Roar duo Polkinghorne, 30, and Gorry, 27, will link up with the Karmøy-based club in Norway's top flight following the end of the current Westfield W-League campaign.
It comes after fellow Australian international and ex-Brisbane star Hayley Raso traded the Queensland capital for Everton last week, while Sydney FC midfielder Chloe Logarzo also clinched a move to England's FA Women's Super League by signing for Bristol City.
This will be the first experience of European football for Queensland-born Westfield Matildas Polkinghorne and Gorry, who have both previously played in Japan and in America's National Women's Soccer League.
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They are crucial additions for Avaldsnes, a club that holds ambitious designs on winning the Toppserien and returning to the UEFA Champions League having received significant financial backing for the 2020 season.
Avaldsnes were league runners-up behind LSK in 2015, 2016 and 2017 but finished the last two campaigns fifth and ninth, and were knocked out in the Round of 32 phase of the Champions League by a 7-0 aggregate defeat to French superpower Lyon.
"We have a clear ambition to once again be one of Norway's best women's soccer teams." Avaldsnes sports manager Lena Tyriberget told VG of their latest signings.
In addition to Gorry and Polkinghorne, Avaldsnes have picked up Norway international forward Elise Thorsnes, who is currently on the books of Canberra United.
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Westfield Matilda Aivi Luik and New Zealand stalwart Rebekah Stott plied their trade for Avaldsnes last season.
The 2020 Toppserien campaign kicks off on Saturday 21, March.
Avaldsnes face Kolbotn.
"We have not come to the Toppserien to downplay," added Avaldsnes managing director Stian Staveland Nygaard.
"We give full throttle and drive on."
Upcoming Matches – Westfield Matildas
Westfield Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Monday, 3 February 2020
Venue: Five Rings Sports Centre, Wuhan, China
Kick-off: 4.00pm (local); 7.00pm (AEDT)
Thailand v Westfield Matildas
Date: Thursday, 6 February 2020
Venue: Five Rings Sports Centre, Wuhan, China
Kick-off: 4.00pm (local); 7.00pm (AEDT)
Westfield Matildas v China PR
Date: Sunday, 9 February 2020
Venue: Five Rings Sports Centre, Wuhan, China
Kick-off: 7.30pm (local); 10.30pm (AEDT)
Ticketing & broadcast information to be advised.
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